[twizz]

I hear you man, Just thought i can go bigger w/o having to do modifications. I'm cool with the skinnier tire, plus i love the handling and traction. 92 750 with modified carbs, able to keep up with cbr100's believe it or not i did! 155mph and still pulling! yea its true!

[dejutej]

Size

2001 Katana 750 with 160/60/17 Pilot Power. No problems.

[Kreylyn]

I hear you man, Just thought i can go bigger w/o having to do modifications. I'm cool with the skinnier tire, plus i love the handling and traction. 92 750 with modified carbs, able to keep up with cbr100's believe it or not i did! 155mph and still pulling! yea its true!

See, here is a common issue...

Your bike has a 3.5" rim on it.

EVERYONE else that posted in this thread so far has larger rims. Post Kats have 4.5" rims.

THAT is why they can run 160s, and sometimes a 170.


The commonly seen thing here is someone with either a pre, or a post asks this tire question... and then everyone one responds with both pre and post answers, causing confusion.

Krey

[mammut89]

heh yeah krey , I was scratchin my head for a moment there. sanity returned

[GSXFJim]

Krey; the voice of reason...

[pinkkat04]

i was told that any step above a 150 was a danger but ive got a 160 with no problems and still corners great.

[hardlydangerous]

It is if the tire was not designed for a 4.5" rim. Most 170 series tires are not however the conti road attacks are desinged for a 4.5" rim.

[katanarider]

It is if the tire was not designed for a 4.5" rim. Most 170 series tires are not however the conti road attacks are desinged for a 4.5" rim.

Funny thing...If you go to Continetals website and search for the correct tire size for a post 98 Katana it says to use the 150
Stupid German Engineers

[GregS]

Jeremy - great question, I am interested in the responses as well. I'm looking to get a little more rear tire width and height.

Wanted to clarify something.
A 150/70 is taller than a 170/60.

[Kreylyn]

Funny thing...If you go to Continetals website and search for the correct tire size for a post 98 Katana it says to use the 150
Stupid German Engineers

Tire "recomendation" listings even on the tire websites is directly from the bike manufacturers. Suzuki told them what it's supposed to be. They don't test every bike and verify what will work, and the bike manufacturers don't give a "range" of sizes. Just what was put on it at the factory.

Half the tire places don't even list a match for pre kats... because they no longer make those sizes that came on it OEM.

Krey

[jettajake00]

See, here is a common issue...

Your bike has a 3.5" rim on it.

EVERYONE else that posted in this thread so far has larger rims. Post Kats have 4.5" rims.

THAT is why they can run 160s, and sometimes a 170.


The commonly seen thing here is someone with either a pre, or a post asks this tire question... and then everyone one responds with both pre and post answers, causing confusion.

Krey

Krey speaks the truth I apologize for my aid in this confusion as I am in fact a post Kat owner


And yes, the manufacturer recommends the sizes for reasons. One step up is about the most that should be done, if any, IMHO.

what scottynoface said earlier is the answer: do the work on swingarm or buy a SS.

[hardlydangerous]

these bikes came with bias ply tires stock... what the mfg recommended back then is not always best now days...
honda produced the CB125RR with a 110 rear wheel yet HRC races the exact same bike with a 130 .
They do that for many reasons such as cost, less weight, ress resistance, better mileage, etc. They did not do it for looks or better handling.

if you contact a Continental distributer or Michelin etc they can tell you the specs on the tire as well as recommended wheel size, speed rating etc.
I delieve Dennis Kirk post most of the mfg recommended specs on their site with the tire

[stretched600]

If I do remember correctly, Pre-Kats can change to the same style rim in 4.5" width by converting to an RF600 rear rim...I'm currently in process of trying this as I jus ordered a used rim off eBay for $78 with a used tire on it...Supposed to be a direct fit swap...We'll see

Also probably getting the Shinko 006 podium 170/60 tire also
110/60 for front

[cintidude04]

Umm, dont think an rf sa is a direct swap...
However a post 4.5 wheel is a direct swap. Just need the wheel, rotor, some say the cush drive is required but I'm using the pre cush drive on mine.

[stretched600]

Well the only difference I've noted so far is changing over to the 5 bolt brake rotor... Cush drive, axle n bearings are supposed to be the same
And the reason behind getting this rim is to keep the slanted spoke same as the front